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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke at 11:30 pm. I was experiencing back pain all afternoon and thought it was a sign of early labor but wasn't feeling any contractions. It turns out baby had flipped himself that afternoon and was sunny side up for the first time all pregnancy. Great timing, right? My back pain turned out to be back labor and did not let up during my labor + delivery.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having back labor in addition to the contractions. I was looking forward to those breaks between contractions but, unfortunately, there were none because the back pain was consistently present.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hiring a doula and taking an assortment of birthing classes offered through our doula to prepare ourselves for this adventure. My husband and I felt informed and empowered and were not scared into being induced even though we were nine days post date. We trusted my body knew what to do and it would happen when the time was right.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was shocked by how elastic the vagina really is. They set up a mirror so I could see baby's head coming out and I couldn't believe how much our midwife could stretch the vagina without tearing anything.
I was also surprised by the first week of recovery. I knew to take it easy but I didn't realize just how easy they meant. I attempted a very leisurely 15 min walk 3 days postpartum and that was too much for my body to take. It's true you just need to rest and let everyone help you, at least that first week or so.
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Surround yourself with a birthing team you trust to help you fulfill your birthing goals. Being so comfortable and confident w my support team allowed me to just focus on getting the baby out.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Laboring in the tub.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was sitting up w my legs up. We tried numerous different positions: squat bar, all fours, etc but we were having the most progress when I sat with my legs up. When I pushed I pulled with counter pressure on a rabozo (like a big sheet) and that finally did the trick.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
So normal. It felt like it was just meant to be and like we had known him forever already.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you can swing it, hire a doula. It was the best money we ever spent. Immediately after delivery, my husband even said, "we're definitely using a doula next time." She helped coach me through my contractions, reminding me to "get ahead of my contractions" and then to "let the contraction finish and to let it go." Those words were so valuable in the moment. The helped me feel more in control. She was also an excellent support for my husband as well. Surround yourself with a birthing team you trust to help you fulfill your birthing goals. Being so comfortable and confident w my support team allowed me to just focus on getting the baby out.
